As part of the First Russian Space Forum, a discussion was held on investment in private space activities. The session entitled “Private Space: Investment and Growth Models for a New Ecosystem” focused on the sector’s investment attractiveness and the development of new models of interaction between the state and business. The Forum is organized by Roscosmos with the support of the Government of the Russian Federation. The operator is the Roscongress Foundation. The First Russian Space Forum is held as part of Space Week 2026.
The space sector today is one of the most complex and capital-intensive areas of the economy, requiring the consolidation of efforts by the state, business, and financial institutions. In Russia, an ecosystem of private space activity is taking shape: new companies are emerging, and competencies in satellite manufacturing and launch services are developing. In this context, key issues include the sector’s investment appeal, the search for effective models of cooperation with the state, and the identification of niches in which Russian technology companies can be competitive.
Dmitry Bakanov, Director General, Roscosmos State Corporation for Space Activities, delivered opening remarks: “The state has traditionally played a key role in the development of the space sector. In recent years, a number of reforms have been implemented aimed at expanding the participation of private companies in the development of space activities in Russia. The contributions of companies such as New Start, Geoscan Group, Voskhod Management Company and Sputniks Group to the development of the sector should be noted.”
The discussion also addressed the integration of space technologies into the economy and their practical application. “In recent years, space has become closer: the orbital economy is inseparably linked to the national economy. In these conditions, it is important to create opportunities for rapid piloting of solutions in areas such as mapping services, Earth remote sensing and communications. Without space, the future of the country is unimaginable: it is a driver of economic, educational and industrial development,” noted Vasily Shpak, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation.
Particular attention was given to the formation of a sustainable industry ecosystem and the role of different stakeholders in its development. “The space sector requires the consolidation of efforts by state corporations, private business and the scientific community. Key mechanisms of state support are already in place, including public–private partnerships, the development of engineering innovation and workforce training,” said Natalya Popova, First Deputy General Director, Innopraktika. Attention was also drawn to the development of investment mechanisms and the expansion of the range of participants in the sector.
“State corporations and private companies must build cooperation. It is also important to attract not only private investors, but individual investors as well. They can be drawn to projects that are commercially understandable, such as navigation and the small satellite segment. This will help create both financial and emotional engagement in the development of the country’s space sector,” emphasized Petr Fradkov, Chairman, Bank PSB.
Participants in the discussion also included: Alexey Bobrovsky, Economic Observer; Director, Institute for the Study of World Markets; Mikhail Gordin, Rector of Bauman Moscow State Technical University; Georgy Emelin, General Director of Space Energy; Alexey Kepman, General Director of Innovative Technologies and Materials; Anna Kikina, Test-Cosmonaut and Hero of the Russian Federation; Alexey Raikevich, General Director, GLONASS; Alexey Semenov, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Geoscan Group; and Ruslan Sarkisov, Managing Partner, General Director, Voskhod Management Company.
